belittle

[bih-lit-l]

verb (used with object)

belittled, belittling 

1. to regard or portray as less little impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.

   Synonyms: dismiss, scorn, deride, deprecate, decry, minimize

belittle

/ bɪˈlɪtəl /

verb

1. to consider or speak of (something) as less valuable or important than it really is; disparage

2. to cause to make small; dwarf

Other Word Forms

• belittlement noun
• belittlingly adverb
• belittler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of belittle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; be- + little

Example Sentences

They worry that all it does is belittle hard work and dedication, instead, focussing on appearance and the pressure to look a certain way.

From BBC

The relationship ended after about four weeks at the start of September 2008, which the woman put down to Rossi's "belittling" of her and suggesting she needed "mental help".

From BBC

Bereaved women spoke of a lack of compassion, others felt belittled, and birthing partners felt powerless or ignored.

From BBC

Exalted string quartet devotees belittled film soundtracks, while studio heads had a reputation for shunning classical music longhairs.

From Los Angeles Times

And the teenage provocateur made no secret of that revulsion, loudly belittling his fellow students.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• criticize 
• decry 
• deride 
• discredit 
• disparage 
• downplay 
• scorn 
• underestimate